Amtrak solicits proposals for 30th St. Station

Amtrak, seeking redevelopment plans for 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, has asked for proposals submitted no later than Nov. 18, 2013.

Amtrak is already at work repairing and restoring the station, deemed by many one of the gems of the Northeast Corridor, but also seeks to develop the surrounding area, including in part over existing rail yards, which offer potentially significant and profitable air rights.

Amtrak reportedly is working with nearby Drexel University and Brandywine Realty Trust to redevelop the station and nearby neigborhood. Amtrak said others involved include SEPTA, which also uses the station, the city of Philadelphia, and nearby University of Pennsylvania. Not mentioned as a potential partner: New Jersey Transit, which serves Philadelphia with its Atlantic City Line service.

The station, already Amtrak's third-busiest, is readily accessible by varied rail modes and bus service, but is somewhat hostile to pedestrian and bicycle access and can be difficult to reach by automobile.